Hollywood’s Faith-Based Film Industry

Director, Aaron Kamp on the set of Never Too Late. 2013photo by David Biesse.

West Australian filmmaker, Aaron Kamp has written, directed and produced a compelling short film about a young man who struggles to find the courage to change when he starts to learn that there might be more to life than he thinks. The story is based on the theme of Atonement and the Bible verse, Exodus 32:31.

Film is a powerful medium and that is how Hollywood has been influencing society and our culture for decades. Our senses have been dulled and coerced into often having a less than biblical perspective on a number of issues such as relationships, promiscuity, violence, homosexuality and adultery. It is a breath of fresh air when we can see Christian, faith-based films also making an impact but for all the right reasons.

Films like Fire Proof which have been highly successful at the box office but also in promoting biblical family values, marriage, faithfulness and the Gospel. Films like Courageous are emotionally moving, thematically deep and remarkably professional and entertaining. Mel Gibson’s The Passion has paved the way for a movement of faith-based films in Hollywood, showing that a large number of movie goers are willing to buy tickets to see movies in this genre.

There are also Christian production companies that are now working to fund and promote new films by up and coming Christian film makers. The much talked about 168 Film Project, a speed film-making competition in Los Angeles has attracted entries from both Christian and non-christian film makers all over the world, including Australia. And why shouldn’t it? It is a genuine competition with a staggering prize of up to one million dollars in prize money going towards a feature film budget. Entrants are given a bible verse and 168 hours to shoot and edit a 10-minute film.

Christian filmmaker’s and writers are often torn by their desire to make faith-based films but to also keep them entertaining enough for the average non-christian who may be turned off by anything that “talks too much about God”. Where should we be drawing the line and should we be trying to find a happy balance of entertainment and the Gospel message? Do you think there is a need for evangelistic films in Hollywood? Have your say on our facebook page.